Chapter 88 Grand Celebration Banquet, Dazzling Twin Stars

That special and brief awarding ceremony in the ward of the Military Region General Hospital was like a solemn declaration, bringing a glorious end to all the grievances, struggles, and sacrifices Su Wanqing had endured. The weighty Second Class Merit Medal was not only a personal recognition of her, but also a belated vindication and consolation for her father, Su Bingtian. It lay quietly in its velvet box, yet it seemed to carry a tremendous weight, bearing the perseverance and sacrifice of two generations.

Huo Tingxiao's injuries healed quickly thanks to Su Wanqing's meticulous care and the hospital's meticulous treatment. His naturally strong constitution, coupled with his urgency to return to duty and thoroughly eradicate the remaining remnants, allowed him to recover at an astonishing rate. The ward gradually became his makeshift headquarters, with phone calls and correspondence becoming increasingly frequent, and his cold, sharp aura gradually returning.

Su Wanqing didn't stop him. She simply placed warm water and pills by his side on time. When he spoke to a subordinate for too long, she would give him a disapproving look to remind him to rest. She understood the responsibilities he shouldered, and she knew that some things had to be handled by him personally. All she could do was protect his health and their home.

Some time later, on a sunny morning, Huo Tingxiao was finally allowed to be discharged from the hospital.

On the way home, he held Su Wanqing's hand and looked out the window at the rapidly receding street scene. His eyes were deep, and after a long while, he whispered, "I'm sorry for putting you through this."

Su Wanqing was slightly startled, then she understood what he meant. She shook her head and gently leaned her head on his shoulder. Her voice was calm and warm: "It's all in the past. We are fine now, and that's enough."

Huo Tingxiao tightened his arms, holding her tighter, his chin gently rubbing against the top of her head. He said nothing more, but his heart was filled with indescribable relief and tenderness.

The real storm, unseen by them, was drawing to a close. Huo Tingxiao acted decisively, leveraging the irrefutable evidence left by Su Wanqing's father and the confessions of those subsequently arrested to eradicate the latent hostile forces with overwhelming force, completely eliminating the internal hidden dangers. A massive conspiracy that endangered national security and the stability of the military was completely shattered.

When the victory news arrived, Huo Tingxiao was playing chess with Su Wanqing in the living room (Su Wanqing had taught him to help him rest and recuperate). Assistant Chen reported the final results with irrepressible excitement, and the ward fell silent.

Huo Tingxiao was silent for a moment, then slowly put down the chess piece in his hand, raised his head, and looked at Su Wanqing calmly. Su Wanqing was also looking at him, with a look of relief and genuine joy in her eyes.

When our eyes meet, no words are needed, everything is said without words.

"Commander, our superiors have decided to hold a celebration and commendation meeting to commend all units and individuals who have made contributions in this operation. You and your wife... are the main recipients of the commendation." Assistant Chen added with a respectful tone.

News of the celebration banquet spread quickly. This was no longer a small-scale awarding ceremony for the ward, but a formal and grand celebration of the highest standards in the military region.

The day before the conference, Huo Tingxiao had Assistant Chen deliver two brand-new, perfectly ironed dress boxes. One contained his crisp, service dress uniform, its epaulettes adorned with shining stars; the other, a formal yet feminine dress custom-made for Su Wanqing, was a soothing royal blue that accentuated her fair skin.

"This is..." Su Wanqing was a little surprised.

"Tomorrow, we'll attend together." Huo Tingxiao looked at her, his tone calm, yet with an unquestionable solemnity.

Su Wanqing's heart moved slightly and she nodded.

On the evening of the celebration banquet, the military district auditorium was brightly lit and solemn. Military music blared, and a star-studded gathering gathered. All the meritorious personnel who participated in the operation were present, their faces brimming with the joy and pride of victory.

When the host announced, "Commander Huo Tingxiao and his wife, Comrade Su Wanqing, please enter," the whole audience instantly fell silent, and all eyes were focused on the entrance of the auditorium.

The heavy door of the auditorium slowly opened.

Huo Tingxiao, dressed in a crisp, dark green officer's dress uniform, stood tall and straight like a pine tree, the star on his shoulder gleaming brightly under the light. His stern face remained expressionless, but the icy chill between his brows seemed to have melted considerably. His eyes were sharp and steady, imbued with the dignity and composure of someone tempered by blood and fire. His steps were steady and powerful, each one seeming to touch the hearts of everyone.

And beside him, half a step behind, Su Wanqing was walking towards him with her arm around his.

She wore a tailored royal blue gown, perfectly tailored to accentuate her feminine curves while maintaining a sense of dignity. Her long hair was elegantly pulled back, revealing her smooth forehead and slender neck. Her face was lightly made up, her eyes clear and calm, and a subtle smile of decorum and confidence played on her lips. She wore no garish jewelry, save for the glittering gold Second Class Merit Medal on her chest and the distinctive bullet-shell ring on her ring finger, which combined to create the most striking accents.

She was no longer the timid, uneasy "substitute bride" who had to hide in his shadow, nor was she the "accessory" who endured injustice silently. Now, she had weathered the storms of life and death, and withstood the test of life and death. With her tenacity and talent, she had earned respect and proven her worth through her actions. Standing beside the renowned Huo Tingxiao, she was no less impressive than him. Instead, like a bright moon, she shone alongside his dazzling sun, creating a dazzling spectacle all her own.

One is cold and resolute, the other is gentle and tough; one is like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, the other is like a still and deep stream.

They walked side by side, their steps in unison, their auras blending together, as if they were born to stand side by side like this and face all the storms in the world together.

The entire audience was silent, everyone was stunned by this dazzling match. Then, thunderous applause erupted like a tidal wave, lasting a long time! The applause was filled with high respect for Huo Tingxiao and sincere admiration and blessings for Su Wanqing, this special military wife.

Huo Tingxiao turned his head slightly and glanced at Su Wanqing beside him. A very faint, yet clearly visible trace of tenderness and... pride flashed across his eyes.

Su Wanqing felt his gaze, turned her head slightly, and gave him a faint but firm smile.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the two walked towards the podium step by step.

The commendation session was full of climaxes.

When Huo Tingxiao's name was called, he stepped forward to accept the First Class Military Merit Medal and certificate. The audience erupted in applause, everyone paying the highest tribute to this young general who had turned the tide and achieved remarkable feats.

And then, when the host announced in a loud voice: "Now, please invite Comrade Su Wanqing, who provided key intelligence support in this major operation, remained fearless in the face of danger, and made outstanding contributions and was awarded the second-class individual merit, to come on stage to receive the medal!", the audience burst into warm applause again!

Under Huo Tingxiao's encouraging gaze, Su Wanqing took a deep breath, straightened her back, and walked forward with steady steps.

A highly respected senior officer personally presented her with a certificate and solemnly pinned on her a new, personal medal of Second Class Merit (a standard medal worn on formal occasions). The senior officer, looking at her with a gaze filled with admiration and kindness, whispered, "Good girl! Like father, like daughter. You and your father are both excellent!"

Su Wanqing felt a sore nose and a slight heat in her eyes. She nodded vigorously and saluted with a military salute that was not standard but extremely sincere.

Offstage, Huo Tingxiao looked at the brand new medal on her chest, the tears glinting in her eyes and the strength she showed. The corners of his hard lips involuntarily curled upwards. His wife deserved to be so radiant.

The final climax was the awarding of the honorary title of "Model Revolutionary Family" to the couple. This was the highest praise for their unity during this turmoil, their shared hardships, and their outstanding contributions to the country and the army in different ways.

As the two stood side by side and jointly accepted the heavy honorary banner, the atmosphere in the auditorium reached its climax. Applause, praise, and blessings rang out one after another, and the flash cameras captured this moment forever.

During the dance session after the celebration banquet, soothing music played.

Huo Tingxiao rarely danced in such occasions, but tonight, he reached out his hand to Su Wanqing very naturally for the first time.

Su Wanqing was slightly stunned, then smiled and gently placed her hand in his palm.

He held her waist, she draped her arm around his shoulders, and they slowly stepped into the center of the dance floor, following the music. His steps were a bit stiff, but incredibly steady, holding her securely in his embrace. Her steps were light, following his lead in perfect sync.

They became the absolute focus of the whole audience. The lights shone softly on them, and the medals on his military uniform and her dress shone brightly, interweaving into a dazzling starlight.

She looked up at him slightly, his figure and the brilliance of the room reflected in her eyes. He stared down at her, his stern brows and eyes appearing unusually soft under the light.

"Are you nervous?" he asked in a low voice, with a barely perceptible magnetism in his voice.

"I'm not nervous with you here." She replied softly, with a happy curve at the corner of her lips.

The music was melodious and the time was peaceful. They embraced each other and danced, as if they were the only ones left in the world.

At this moment, all the haze, misunderstandings, pain and dangers of the past were completely dispelled by this grand glory and mutual warmth.

They are the most tacit comrades on the battlefield and the closest lovers in life.

A grand celebration banquet, two dazzling stars.

Their story, traversed by hardships, has become legendary. And their future, like the splendid light in this room, is radiant and has just begun.